Consumer Resources for Energy Efficiency

Home Electrification in California

Building electrification describes the move from fossil fuel-powered appliances — like gas and propane furnaces and hot water heaters— to clean, highly efficient electric appliances like ducted and ductless heat pumps and heat pump hot water heaters. Electrifying homes and businesses is an important component to help California reach its greenhouse gas reduction goals. It is estimated that electrification can reduce GHG emissions in homes by up to 30 - 60 % currently and up to 80 – 90% by 2050.

If you are replacing an old HVAC system for your home, consider the cost saving and reduced environmental impact of replacing your outdated system with a heat pump.

Energy UpGrade California

Energy Upgrade California® is a statewide initiative committed to helping Californians be more energy efficient, utilize more sustainable natural resources, reduce demand on the energy grid and make informed choices about their energy use at home and at work.

Get started with things you can do right now, and use the whole-house approach to ensure that your investments are wisely made to save you money and energy.

Visit their website to learn more about making your home more energy efficient. Find out about energy rebates available for energy efficient home improvements.

Aarvaks is a participating contractor for Energy Upgrade California, serving Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, Oakland, Montclair, Piedmont and surrounding East Bay areas.

energyupgradeca.org/

BayRen Home+

The Bay Area Regional Network (BayREN) provides regional-scale energy efficiency programs and services to reduce carbon emissions and promote healthy, energy-efficient buildings and homes. Participating contractors are specially trained to provide the highest quality service and installation for qualified home energy improvements and will assist you through the rebate process to make sure you get the best price on your projects.

BayREN Home+ provides assistance and incentives in the form of rebates for home improvement projects that can reduce energy use and make homes more comfortable. BayREN Home+ is implemented by local county governments and available to homeowners and renters in nine counties.

Visit their website to learn more about making your home more energy efficient. Give us a call to find out about the rebates available for energy efficient home improvements.

Aarvaks is a BayREN Home+ participating contractor and our technicians are specially trained to provide the highest quality service and installation for qualified home energy improvements, such as duct replacement or sealing, heating and cooling equipment, and air quality upgrades. Once the work is completed, we will assist you through the rebate process to make sure you get the best price on your heating and cooling projects.

bayrenresidential.org/get-rebates

ENERGY STAR

Products that earn the ENERGY STAR® designation use less energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

Aarvaks only recommends products with the ENERGY STAR designation. And, many of our HVAC ENERGY STAR products are eligible for tax credits and rebates! Learn more at energystar.gov

When evaluating heating and cooling options, we understand that efficiency and cost savings are important factors in your decision.

Important Acronyms & Definitions

SEER

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER is the measure of efficiency by which the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps is rated. The higher the SEER number, the greater the efficiency and, therefore, the greater the energy savings.

If you are currently considering a new air conditioner or heat pump, make sure it has at least a 13 SEER rating.

AFUE

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE is the standard measurement of efficiency for gas and oil-fired furnaces. Given in percentages, this number tells you how much of your fuel is used to heat your home and how much fuel is wasted. The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the efficiency.

If you have an older furnace (with an AFUE of approximately 60%), you could save up to 40% on your heating bills by replacing it with a new high efficiency furnace!

HSPF

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is the efficiency measurement used to gauge the efficiency of the heating mode of heat pumps. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency and cost-savings. Higher efficiency in heat pumps and air conditioners may cost more but lower utility bills will bring you a return on your investment. We can help you determine how long it would take you to recover the additional cost in energy savings.

One additional factor that affects the efficiency of your air conditioning or heat pump system is your indoor coil. If your condensing unit is not matched with the proper indoor coil, it may not give you the stated SEER and/or HSPF ratings and could even develop performance problems. When you replace an existing system, make sure you replace both units so your new condensing unit will give you optimal performance, efficiency and comfort.